Did you know that your bowel function can greatly affect your hormone levels? A lot of women who are suffering from hormonal imbalances also have irregular bowel functions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, or Crohn’s, showing that there is, indeed, a connection between bowel dysfunction and hormonal imbalance.
What’s the connection?
All of your hormones need to be detoxified by your liver when your body is finished with them. The liver then secretes the excess hormones into your intestines where they are to make their way out of your body. However, that smooth and simple flow does not always happen.
If for example a woman has poor bowel movements or is constipated, her body may take these excess hormones and try to recirculate them back into the hormonal system. If her bowel functions are regular, these waste hormones will not be given the chance to re-circulate and add to her hormone load.
So how does one improve bowel function?
- Increase your water consumption. Of course, you need to be careful and drink only the purest water you have access to because your body functions as the water filter for all the water it is receiving. So drink more water. For example, to calculate how much water you should drink everyday, divide your weight in half and that figure represents the minimum daily intake in ounces. Take note that beverages like pop, coffee, and tea are diuretics, meaning they remove more water than the amount they supply. The best way to combat this is by drinking two glasses of water for every cup of tea or coffee.
- Consume the right amount of good oils. Although all oils serve as lubricant in the bowel, not all oils are created equal. Coconut oil, fish oil, and hemp seed oil are not only necessary for a good bowel health, they are also crucial for your general health.
- Include fiber in your diet. There are two types of fiber and both are valuable when it comes to ensuring optimal bowel functions. In the food that we eat, 75% are insoluble fiber while 25% are soluble. Depending on the type, it may slow down or speed up food passage through the digestive tract. Foods that are rich in insoluble fiber contribute to bowel regularity and prevent diverticular disease, while those that are rich in soluble fiber help improve cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Both are promoted for weight management, too.
Following those three tips is a good start on your road to achieving hormonal balance. Sufficient fiber, healthy oils and fats, and plenty of water can help keep your digestive tract moving and produce better bowel function. Indeed, having your hormones that have completed their task be eliminated is an important factor in regaining hormone health and overall wellness. If you need further help in improving your bowel function, a total body cleanse or detoxification may be what you need. We also specialize in hormone re-balancing. Contact Sloan Natural Health Center and learn how you can rid your body of toxins and achieve the completely healthy body that you deserve.
